CLIPBOARD

A clipboard is a temporary storage area used by computer systems to hold data that a user has copied or cut, for transfer to another location. The term also refers to a physical clipboard, a rigid board with a clasp used to hold sheets of paper during note-taking or filing.

In computing, the clipboard is managed by the operating system and serves as the intermediary for copy and paste operations. Data placed on the clipboard can include text, images, files, and other data formats, and can be transferred between applications. The contents are typically kept in memory and replaced when new data is copied or cut. Many modern systems offer clipboard features such as persistent history or multi-clipboard support through built-in options or third-party utilities, enabling users to access previously stored items or to manage multiple copies.

Physical clipboards have a simple design: a flat board with a spring-loaded clip at the top to secure papers. They are used in offices, classrooms, and fieldwork to provide a portable writing surface and a convenient way to collect documents or forms for review or signing.

Historically, clipboard functionality emerged with graphical user interfaces in the late 20th century as part of the broader copy-and-paste paradigm. Since then, clipboard behavior has evolved with operating systems, introducing features like clipboard formats, data type handling, and, in some ecosystems, cloud-synced or shared clipboards across devices.

Security and privacy considerations include the potential exposure of sensitive information stored briefly on the clipboard, especially when multiple applications can access it. Clipboard managers and system settings can mitigate or, conversely, compound these risks depending on permissions and data retention.